This past rainy Sunday in Brooklyn didn’t stop people from all cultures and religions to came out to save lives at the Maimonides Medical Center Blood Drive held at The Bridge Multicultural and Advocacy Project (MAP), 1894 Flatbush Avenue.
The Bridge MAP opened its doors jointly with the American Council of Minority Women, Rabbinical Alliance of America, New York Response Team, MIPO, Yemeni American Association of Bay Ridge, United Jewish Community of Flatbush, and many other faith and community leaders. All united to increase awareness and donate blood to save lives in New York City. The room overflowed with potential donors and the beds were occupied with families and individuals representing houses of worship, civic organizations, schools, community based organizations, not for profit organizations and the artist community giving blood to save lives.
“We need more organizations like The Bridge MCP that are committed to addressing the needs of the community and uniting us,” said Borough Park State Senator Simcha Felder, who attended the event and was deeply moved by the diversity of those donating blood.
Hafida Torres, President of Moroccan American Council to Empower Women, was overwhelmed by the turnout and stated, “as a woman of Muslim faith I was honored and privileged to participate by giving blood jointly with my brethren of Jewish, Christian and every other faith.”
“At a time of increased racial tension in the city and the nation we choose to focus on the things that create unity. That is why we sponsored this blood drive,” said Bridge MAP Founder Mark Meyer Appel. “Our goal is to encourage the multicultural community of Brooklyn to address the unique needs of the Jewish, Islam and Christian faith as we all come together to save lives.”
Yair Zarmon, Director of Blood Drive Maimonides, said ther primary goal for the event was to collect as many blood donations as possible, enabling the Medical Center to save human lives daily.
“The drive was a great example of how one can bring people together and spread awareness about the need for blood donation. I am thankful to Mr. Mark Meyer Appel, The Bridge MCP and the many partners for hosting this blood drive. We are extremely satisfied with the outcome and thankful to all of the community leaders who came out to lend their support,” said Zarmon.
For additional information call 718-338-5200 or via email info.thebridgemcp@gmail.com. You may also visit the website at www.thebridgemcp.com.
